Beirut, 24 November 2016 - The people of Japan continue to show their commitment to humanitarian causes in Lebanon and the surrounding region. Their latest support is in the form of the provision of three fully equipped ambulances to Lebanese Red Cross which will be used to provide lifesaving emergency medical services to people throughout the country.
His Excellency Seiichi Otsuka, Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon was welcomed by Dr Antoine al-Zoghbi, Lebanese Red Cross President and Mr Georges Kettaneh, Secretary General of Lebanese Red Cross for a handover ceremony of the three new ambulances at the Lebanese Red Cross headquarters on Spears on 24 November 2016.
Also in attendance was Dr Bahij Arbid, representative of the Ministry of Public Health, Mr Elias Ghanem, director of the IFRC’s Middle East and North Africa region, Mr Fabrizio Carboni, head of the ICRC delegation in Lebanon, Mrs. Rosy Boulos, head of Lebanese Red Cross emergency medical services, as well as a number of other officials and volunteers.
“These ambulances are a symbol of the deep commitment of the People of Japan to supporting humanitarian assistance here in Lebanon. The Lebanese Red Cross and its thousands of committed volunteers are a living example of service to humanity,” stated His Excellency Otsuka.
Each year, the Lebanese Red Cross emergency medical services carry out as many as 260,000 missions. All services are provided by well trained and experienced volunteer teams, who commit themselves to a certain number of hours of assistance each week, without any monitory return.
“Lebanese Red Cross has a long and proud history of providing lifesaving assistance. Overseas partners such as the government of Japan, combined with the significant support received from Lebanese people, allow us to save lives and provide essential services each and every day,” said Mr Kettaneh.
Since 2013, the Japanese government has been a key partner of Lebanese Red Cross, enabling the National Society to reach tens of thousands of people on an annual basis. To date, support has amounted to some 2.45 million US dollars. Along with emergency medical services, the support of the people of Japan enables Lebanese Red Cross to provide emergency kits for vulnerable women, and to support families in need to manage harsh winter conditions.
“Building partnerships that enable National Societies, such as the Lebanese Red Cross, to deliver essential services to people in need is a key role played by the IFRC. We are proud of our strong relationship with the government and people of Japan, and thank them for their continued commitment to the cause of humanity in Lebanon, and throughout the region,” said Mr Ghanem.
In response to the Syria crisis, the people of Japan have generously supported humanitarian activities throughout the neighbouring region, ensuring lifesaving assistance and relief, as well as supporting activities that provide dignity to those who have been displaced by the ongoing conflict.